Abstract:
Ethiopia has been practicing various kinds of customary conflict resolution management.
Different customary conflict resolution mechanisms have distinct functions and procedures. This
study aimed to explore the characteristics, functions, and conflict resolution’s role of customary
court (Mana Murtii Aadaa Oromoo) in Haramaya district of Oromia regional state. The study
employed a qualitative research approach with a case study research design. The study also
used both primary and secondary data that was collected through key informant interviews,
focus group discussions, and observation. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data.
Customary court has been playing a vital role in settling conflicts among individuals and groups
and in promoting peace, stability, and tolerance in the communities of the study area. The
findings reveal that customary court is significant due to its characteristics of producing win-win
results for the conflict parties, saving time, re-establishing harmony among conflict parties,
revealing crimes committed without witnesses, social stability, and lasting peace among the
people of the study area. Customary courts have unused potential for settling conflicts in
Ethiopia in general and in the study area in particular. However, absence of clear boundary
between legal and customary court, unclear mandate of customary court and lack of clear policy
directions, lack of capacity building training for customary elders on the issues of human rights,
poor infrastructure, lack of budget and poor working place have been identified as a limiting
factor that are affecting the functionality of customary courts in the study area
